Who doesn’t like to go on a camping trip with family and friends? It takes just a second to say yes but a lot of energy and time packing for it. Because you don’t have only your and your kids’ essentials to look after, you have your caravan’s too.
What if the battery drains? What if you forgot to carry the first aid kit? Issues can arise in the middle of the road or at the campsite, leaving you stranded. And we know it is not possible to remember and check each and everything.
For easing your efforts, we have listed all the imperative items at one place so that you don’t forget any and have a safe trip without a hitch.
Caravan Checklist
Before heading out, check, repair and get the damages fixed of your caravan, if any. Here’s a list of things to look at.
Battery – Make sure the batteries are in good condition and getting charged properly. If not, inspect the reason behind what is causing them to heat up or drain.
Tyres – Replace the tyres if they are old, shaking, making noises, or you noticed some blisters or cracks. Once checked, make sure their pressure is at the optimum level, neither too high nor too low.
Fire extinguisher/fire blankets – Install a fire extinguisher and carry a fire blanket if you don’t have one. A fire can erupt anytime, or a cooking disaster can happen anytime.
Fire alarm – Check and replace the batteries if required for getting the fire warning while you are busy having a fun time outdoors.
Refrigerator – See if the fridge is cooling properly. If the fridge’s doors are opening and closing smoothly, otherwise, get it repaired.
Toilet – Make sure the caravan’s toilet is properly functioning and clean before hitting the road.
Jockey wheel – Mostly, these can be taken out and cleansed. But if you think the wheels look worn out, replace them.
Lighting – Check if any lighting maintenance is required. Ensure all the lights and bulbs are working and are not dim.
Check the electric and gas systems in the caravan. Ensure that the gas bottles are full, turned off and are not exposed to extreme heat.
Accessories – Install the caravan accessories like towing mirror, reversing camera, awning etc. When camping in Australia, nothing better than an awning can provide you with ample shade and protect you from the scorching heat.
Choose from a wide variety of Xtend Outdoors Caravan Awnings. Every awning is made with sturdy, weather-proof materials that keep away all the elements while the caravan is on the road.
Tool Checklist
Tools can be chosen depending upon your campsite location. But some of the basic tools you must include:
- An insulating tape for repairing and a cable tie for joining the electrical cables present in the light switches or any other wired system in the caravan.
- Strong clawed hammer for driving in and pulling out nails or stakes. And rubber mallet for driving the caravan’s chisels.
- For tyres
- Tyre pressure gauge for measuring the pressure.
- Tyre repair kit for repairing any hole in the tyres or punctured tyres.
- Tyre levers for taking the tyres off from the wheel.
- Air compressor to inflate the tyres.
- Spanner set for tightening or loosening the nuts and bolts present in the wheels, gas bottles, batteries or anywhere else.
- Screwdriver for screwing or unscrewing the screws in the caravan.
- Torch and lamp in case of any activities required to be done in the middle of the night.
- Silicone sealant to block the water leakage in the caravan.
- The battery charger as well as spare batteries for avoiding the situation of drained batteries on the go.
- Pair of gloves for cooking
- Knife and scissors for cutting vegetables or cutting ropes, wires.
- Spare fan belt and radiator hose for avoiding the conditions of no air conditioning, engine overheating and coolant leakage.
Necessities Checklist
These are common items you must-have when camping. You will invite unwanted problems if you forget any of these.
First-aid kit for treating the wounds that you might get on the road, including:
- Adhesive bandages of all sizes
- Disinfectants
- Ointments
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antiseptic creams
- Sanitiser
- Personal Medications if any
- Medications for allergic reactions
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Gauze
- Heat pads
- Splints
- Gloves
Other items:
- Safety pins
- Toiletries
- Power bank
- Navigation device
- Tweezers
- Pocket knife
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent
- Roll of duct tape
- Whistle
- Board games
- Small bin
- Chargers
- Extra memory card for the camera
- Waterproof matches
- Tissues
- Collapsible items like chairs, glasses, etc.
Conclusion
If you checklist all the above-mentioned items before heading out, you are ready to set your camp even in the middle of the night and stay for as long as you want to.
What are you waiting for now? You’ve got the guide right in front of you. Get up and start packing for a fun-filled adventure.
About Author:
Danny Smith is CEO and Founder of Xtend Outdoors Australia which manufactures and sell caravan annexes, awnings and accessories. He just love caravan holidays and frequently blog about caravanning trips, parks and tips.